Gainsborough blossoms thanks to funding for new church flower festival
A church flower festival attracted an unprecedented turnout in the heart of Gainsborough.
Read the storyThe National Church have issued the following announcement (Monday 21 September 2026):
The Rt Revd Stephen Conway has resigned as Bishop of Lincoln. The See will become vacant on 1st October.
Bishop Nick Chamberlain will continue as Acting Bishop of Lincoln. A Crown Nominations Commission will be convened in due course to discern the next Bishop of Lincoln.
Bishop Stephen Conway was suspended from ministry in February 2026 while a complaint made to the National Safeguarding Team was responded to according to House of Bishops Code of Practice. This included referring the complaint to the police.
The complaint process is ongoing. Clergy remain subject to church disciplinary procedures following resignation or retirement.
Support
If this statement causes distress, support is available through the independent Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team in your area or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.
Other support services are also available.
The original announcement can be read on the national Church website here.